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Family Trip!

Family trip! the mere thought of a family trip abroad makes my heart beat faster! Family trips are not new to me. Although I cannot honestly say that I’ve traveled abroad with my family prior to May this year. As a child my siblings and I traveled back and forth between our parents and our grandparents . Since our grandparents lived in the countryside it was a long journey for a child. I think my siblings did not always enjoy it but I have always enjoyed travel. More recently my sisters and I have taken trips together but mostly we visit each other.

Family is Important

Family is important to me and will always be. From the moment we are born we are dependent on the family unit to care for us. Our families influence and help to form the person we will eventually become. As family members we each draw strength from each other. We are constantly leaning on or supporting each other. This I think is a part of the glue that holds families together. I am especially grateful for those family members who have supported and nurtured me. Of course I too supported family members as best I could and I am grateful to those I have supported. I think the responsibility of consciously being a good role model helped stabilize me as a young adult.

Not all of my family are biological. Some of the people I consider family are those who I feel intrinsically connected with. We are family because we support, protect, respect, love and value each other and our loyalties extend beyond mere friendship. This is the type of family bond I have with my best friend and travel buddy Hazelin. I always look forward to setting off on an adventure with her. I have also enjoyed a few great trips with her family as well!

Auntie Barb

Last April my sister Penny and I set out on a long journey to visit one of our aunts. Auntie Barb is a paternal aunt who by all accounts was one of our caregivers while we were very young. Auntie Barb moved to England while I was still a child. I have only fleeting memories of her visit when I was 10 years old. My best memories of her are from my late 20s. She and her sister Auntie Pat spent the better part of a visit to Guyana with me and my sister. Although she hadn’t seen us in almost 20 years, she still managed to bring us thoughtful presents. My lasting impression of her visit was her boundless energy! she was constantly on the go. I also remember her kindness, her love for dancing and travel.

The Aunts in Antigua

A few years later she paid me a surprise visit when she heard that I had migrated to Antigua. She and her 2 sisters, Auntie Pat and Auntie Elsie had gone to Grenada. After visiting my sister Jacqui there, they all decided to come visit me in Antigua! We had so much fun! I remember showing them the little I knew of the island by bus. I had recently moved to the island and did not have a car yet. We took the bus from the West bus station and went on sightseeing excursions, stopping wherever we felt like. Returning quite late at night blissfully tired from our long day.

Auntie Barb displayed her love for finer things by splurging on expensive dinners at the island’s best restaurants. One day she impulsively purchased an exquisite pair of diamond earrings and a matching necklace at Diamonds International! I discovered that Auntie Barbara was a dizzying combination of no nonsense attitude, sharp tongue, and unexpected generosity. As most sisters do, ‘The Aunts’ argued over their differing recollection of past events and teased each other mercilessly.  I think that visit helped establish the kinship I now enjoy with my aunties. Sadly, my Auntie Elsie passed away a few years later and that is my last fond memory of her.

Family Trip!

We were in London at cousin Jimmy’s wedding when an 80th birthday celebration for Auntie Barb was first mentioned. Hazelin and I immediately said yes! Hazelin had met Auntie Barb for the first time and loved her immediately. The initial plan was to have a surprise family gathering somewhere in London. Eventually it was decided to have the celebration in Stamford then whisk Auntie Barb off to Paris, her favorite city!

I was super excited for a number of reasons; I was going to celebrate this milestone with my Auntie! and I was going to Paris! Plus, I was going to reconnect with my cousins! and I was going to do it all with my sister Penny and my best friend Hazelin! I was going on a European family trip!

I began to make my travel plans in early February. First, I’ll fly from Antigua to New York to meet with Hazelin. We will fly from from New York to Gatwick then take the train to Stamford. We were scheduled to stay in Stamford for 4 nights before taking the Eurostar to Paris. I couldn’t wait to see how my Auntie Barb would react to the big surprise!

Trip Cost

My flight from Antigua to New York on American Airlines was $185. Our 2 seats return from New York to Gatwick on United was $1124.10. Watch for the next post “London, Paris Here I Come!” for more about my exciting family trip!

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Joy and Money

Recently I took a 2-week timeout from my regular routine to help cater to the needs of a newborn. In case you are wondering, the newborn is my great niece. I’m now proud great aunt to 2 boys and 3 girls.

I am also the go-to person whenever a family member needs assistance and I take these duties seriously. If one of my family members needs me, I drop everything to hop on the next flight. I have to get on a flight because I do not live within driving distance of any of my family members. On this latest occasion my baby soothing, diaper changing, bottle making and lullaby singing skills were needed in Nevis so off I went! By the way if you’ve never visited Nevis, you’re missing out on laid back island living with gorgeous vistas!

What do you Enjoy Doing?

My2-week escape was spent helping with the cutest EVER newborn, sight seeing and enjoying the tranquility of Nevis. I had a lot of time to contemplate life, in fact, life with joy AND money. One day as baby and her parents took a nap, I sat idly scrolling through my social media feed admiring the amazing creativity of a particular manicurist. I realized that it was not the first time that I had contemplated buying the tools to practice some of the techniques that resulted in such perfect manicures. Why is it that I have not done this as yet? the answer to that question lies in how I have prioritized my life, leaving no time and space for some of the things that I enjoy doing.

Create a Life Filled with Joy and Money

There are a few things I have always wanted to do but I never seem to find the time. It occurred to me that I have fallen into that life trap I always vowed I would never fall into. I have been neglecting the things I love and focusing more on work. All of what I truly love to do has been pushed to the back burner for ‘later’. I realized that I had not written a blog post in forever – although I love writing. I had not sketched the multitude of scenes and objects that are begging to be sketched – although I love sketching. I had not learnt how to do nail art – something I seem to have placed permanently on the ‘later’ list.

Do you know that some of the happiest and wealthiest people on earth are those who create income from doing what they genuinely enjoy? That is obvious when you think of famous TV talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey, and Ellen DeGeneres – it is no secret that they enjoy talking! And they create income doing just that! They created a life filled with joy AND money! what’s stopping everyone from doing the same?

Create Income

Financial wealth can certainly result from a dull but lucrative job but, the satisfaction and gratification of doing something you truly love can add enjoyment to your life. We all obviously need money but do we absolutely need wealth? or is enjoyment of life more important? This depends on the individual, some of us value money over happiness. Which is more important to you?

Interestingly enough, there are conflicting views about whether wealthy people are happy! This article in Forbes Women claims that the happiest people have more time to do what they love but less money. Yet this CNBC article claims that people are happier when they are making more money.  Regardless of how you look at it, joy and money seem to have a direct impact on each other. I personally think it’s a win win when you can create income doing what you love.

How Easy is it to Create Income?

There is no guarantee that your hobby can make you wealthy, but what if it can create additional income? Here is what I found;

  • first, it is important to find out whether what you enjoy doing is marketable. Carefully consider your pricing. Look at what similar products or services cost and consider the time, resources and efforts invested.
  • secondly, determine who your target market is, this will help you to determine how you would advertise. For instance, if you intend to sell to a younger audience, you may want to market your product or service in spaces and social media platforms they frequent e.g., Instagram, Ticktock, Snapchat etc.

One of the more informative articles I found about how to go about all of the above was this one from The Guardian.

Hopefully, even if you decide not to monetize your hobby, you will make time for the things that bring you joy! I know I most definitely will! In fact, I have already started making time for things I love to do – including this blog! I’ve even written the book below! click to purchase on Amazon or just download a free copy with a Kindle unlimited subscription.

Do leave a comment below if you found this article interesting. I appreciate your feedback.

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What are Your Summer Plans?

What are your summer plans? that is the question I asked my travel buddy recently. I was quite surprised and pleased when she said “actually I’ve been looking at tickets to come to Antigua!” “seriously?!” I immediately began to plan all the fun things we would do when they get here! ‘they’ being my best friend since high school and her family.

My Favorite Things to do in Antigua

My list of favorite things to do on the island is quite a long one. One of the best experiences I’ve had is a leisurely day cruise with Captain Christian of Cruise and Chill. Christian is known for his decadent mimosa brunches served during a scenic sail in the beautiful blue sea among playful dolphins. The light is so magical out in the open sea that any photos you take will be absolutely perfect!

You’ll enjoy the sights including a submerged shipwreck, and cute swimming turtles as you sip on your choice of icy cold beverage. Captain Christian knows quite a bit of the island’s history and he will fill you in as your sail blissfully along. He will eventually anchor off of Bird Island for snorkeling or a refreshing swim before a delicious cold lunch is served. Later as you sail back to Jolly Harbour and the sun slips below the horizon in a blaze of glory, you’ll sigh with absolute contentment. A day well spent!

Next on my list of fun things to do is visit Stingray City to swim with the stingrays. Yes! I know it sounds like a crazy thing to do but it’s a surprisingly pleasant experience. Even if you immediately balked at the idea, trust me when I say I’ve done it not once but twice! Still wary? well the tour includes a brisk boat ride amid beautiful scenery, the perfect spot for snorkeling and Antigua’s famous Angostura Rum Punch! who can resist?

What are Your Summer Plans?

What are your summer plans? Do you love the amazing blue of the Caribbean Sea and luxurious white sand beaches? Consider Antigua! Early morning swims and lazy afternoons relaxing on the beach will of course be one of the most anticipated parts of any trip to Antigua. After all we are known for having a beach for every day of the year! Some of my personal favorites are Dickenson Bay, Fort James Beach, Pigeon Point, Darkwood Beach and Jolly Beach. There is even Jacqui O, a beach named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis! Whatever you do ensure you visit Half Moon Bay which is one of the most beautiful crescent bays in the world!

One of the good things about Antigua is that you can easily navigate your way around with the help of google maps or an old fashion map! If you’re like me you love road trips! The road trip I would suggest includes stops at the fascinating Devils Bridge, the Wadadli Animal Nature Farm, The Potworks Dam and Betty’s Hope. The historic Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is a must see with fantastic views from Dows Hill Interpretation Centre and Shirley’s Heights. Don’t miss out on sunset at Shirley’s Heights, enjoy live music and finger-licking barbecue as well!

Love Dining Out?

There are many great restaurants to choose from so bring your appetite for fresh tasty offerings. The South Point Hotel and MAIA Lounge is perfect to indulge a love for good sushi and live music right on the water. If you’re lucky you can enjoy the beautiful voice of the talented Asher Otto! Asher is one of the most talented artistes in the Caribbean and she has a very distinctive voice you won’t forget! If you miss her performance then you will enjoy one of the local bands just as much. Antiguan musicians are well known for their originality.

See the world for less

In English Harbour, you will also find Trappas, Flatties Flame Grill , Catherine’s Cafe and Crazy Eddies restaurants. Do not miss out on Seafood Fridays on the lawns of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in the Nelson’s Dockyard! That is if you love seafood, if not there are other types of dining experiences you will enjoy just as much.

When it comes to dining out in Antigua, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from. Local or Caribbean cuisine, Asian fusion, Indian, French, South African and Italian are all available. Some of my favorites restaurants are Spices of India, The Nomad, The Larder, The Salt Plage , C&C Wine House, Cuties and the Garden Grill. All of which are in the heart of St. John’s. There are also great restaurants located at most of the marinas as well.

See the True Beauty of Antigua

I would also recommend an “easy” hike with Rambling Soles, it is one of the best ways to really see the true beauty of Antigua. The Soles walk many of the less known trails and are privy to some of the best beaches. Another cool activity you should try is stand up Paddle boarding (SUP) with the National Sailing Academy. Who knows? you may even be encouraged to take a sailing lesson!

Jacqui O Love Beach

Truth be told, there is so much to do that I just don’t know how it will all fit into one summer vacation! The one thing I do know is that a lot of fun will be had! If you don’t have an answer to that question ‘what are your summer plans?’ I’d say it’s time you begin making plans! don’t leave it until the last minute!